12 best places to see Iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Whether driving, walking or biking we have your San Francisco travel guide covered. We show you these viewing points:
(1) Baker Beach; known as a nudist beach on the west edge of the Presidio.
(2) Fort Point: a historic site right under the bridge. Well known by runners from downtown San Francisco as the turn around point and “hoppers hands”.
(3) Crissy Field: a flat former airfield right on the bay and a great picnic spot.
(4) Battery East: great views and a short walk to the Golden Gate Bridge welcome center. It serves as overflow parking for the welcome center.
(5) Welcome Center: the center of action but limited parking. Interpretive center with exhibits detailing the history and science of the bridge. Also a retail and coffee shop.
(6) Driving/Walking. No Toll northbound or for bikes and pedestrians. Electronic toll South bound
(7) North Side Vista Point. Best restroom!
(8) Hawk Hill: high in the Marin Headlands these views are spectacular.
(9) Battery Spencer: Popular close up views or top of bridge
(10) Biking: The West or ocean side of bridge is for bikes only
(11) Battery Marcus Spencer: on the SW side of bridge. Relatively unknown so easy to get parking
(12) Bay Coastal Trail: follows the bay and goes right under the bridge
The golden gate is a special tourist attraction that some would say is the best of San Francisco.